Ola to use Microsoft Azure for existing ridershare platform

The two companies will also take the platform to global carmakers for integration with their vehicle systems

Indian cab aggregator Ola announced that it would use Microsoft Azure for Ola Play, the company’s existing rideshare platform. The two companies will also take the platform to global car manufacturers to integrate it with their vehicle systems.

The Ola Play platform, which the company claims is “the world’s first connected car platform for ridesharing”, will leverage Microsoft AI and IoT to enhance driver experiences with telematics and navigation guidance; passenger experiences with cloud-based infotainment and productivity; and provide auto manufacturers with custom digital experiences for their customers.

This, the company said, would transform driver and passenger experiences with vehicle diagnostics, improved in-car productivity, advanced navigation and predictive maintenance of vehicles.

Ola Play customers will be able to use productivity tools such as Office 365 and Skype for Business, as well as voice-assisted controls built using Microsoft Cognitive Services and Bot framework, in-car during their rides.

“The advanced telematics platform will transform the car into a high-performing, intelligent vehicle, capable of assessing fuel efficiency, engine performance, and driver performance. It will also enable smarter navigation and predict breakdowns, enhancing safety and security while creating new business models and opportunities,” said the company in a statement.

In addition to Ola’s use of Microsoft Azure, the two companies have agreed to collaborate to take this platform to car manufacturers globally, to integrate with vehicle systems.

“Today’s car is quickly becoming the ultimate computing device and together with Ola, we’re focused on providing more intelligent, connected and productive experiences to our customers,” says Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft.

“With Ola Play, we have already set the tone for connected vehicles in India; together with Microsoft, we can make the new platform available to a larger, global audience and unlock futuristic experiences for customers worldwide,” added Bhavish Aggarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of Ola.

The platform is designed to continually collect, analyze, and learn from high volumes of data and user behaviour. This will allow for customised offerings to shape the nature of services and business models, such as usage-based insurance, amongst others. Microsoft and Ola plan to build superior safety features and advanced driver assistance services going forward.